Who do you think is the greatest ambassador for Quebec artists in Florida? If you are a snowbird, you will quickly have guessed that it is the impersonator and singer Michaël Rancourt.
The one who can imitate almost 200 voices in addition to imitating musical instruments has been entertaining retirees and vacationers at the popular Thunderbird stage in Sunny Isles for years.
It all started 16 years ago when Canada Fest was held in Hollywood Beach. The artist, who turns 60 this year, has been invited to perform two shows on the main stage of Hollywood Broadwalk. “Back then, this event attracted hundreds of Quebecers. It was really a big party! So I was offered to do a series of shows, but this time on the Thunderbird stage, and it’s become a tradition ever since,” said the man, who now spends part of the winter in Florida, in Hallandale, precisely.
On March 19th he will perform for the third time this year at the Thunderbird, a mythical venue that has hosted over the years the late Pier Béland, Michel Louvain, Paolo Noël and more recently Patsy Gallant, Patrick Normand and Richard Abel, among others there were a few guests… when this one… Another sold out night. He will take the opportunity to make excerpts from his new show “Les Inoubliables” which will bring together twenty or so great deceased people such as Michel Louvain, Gilbert Bécaud, Jo Dassin, Dalida, Pierre Lalonde and Gerry Boulet etc.
Back in Quebec, this show will be his 10th tour, which will take him across Quebec and even to New
Brunswick: “I’m not necessarily the biggest star in Quebec, but I’m privileged because I’ve always been able to make a living from my job. Every time I tour, there are people with me, whether it’s here in Florida or in Quebec,” says the man who made a name for himself in 1992 with his show 100 voix en l’air.
Here are some of his good addresses in Florida.
Pizza Piola, Hallandale
Photo credit: Michael Rancourt
Michaël Rancourt on the terrace of Laurent Tourondel’s Dune in Fort Lauderdale
“In my opinion, the best pizza in Florida is at Pizza Piola on Hallandale Boulevard. I say this without embarrassment because my wife is Italian and her parents have long owned Granby’s only Italian restaurant, Di Carlo, and they share the same opinion. My favorite pizza is the Diavolo with its thin crust and fresh tomatoes. What makes a good pizza is obviously the freshness of its tomatoes. Cooked tomatoes are never served here! Their outdoor terrace is also very pleasant and it sometimes happens that we are served in French. This is not a place for partying or flashing. It’s a small traditional restaurant without fla fla that doesn’t break our ears with loud music and where the service is fast. A gathering place perfect for meals with family or friends.”
Japanese Shinju Buffet, Davie
“All-you-can-eat buffet restaurants are legion in Florida, but it’s no secret that the quality is often lacking! What’s more, many of them don’t even stay in business for more than a year. One of our top Florida discoveries is the Shinju Japanese Buffet in Davie, which serves an Asian menu of meat, sushi, crab, and oysters that’s always delicious, and at a very reasonable price of $30 per person! We are true followers! In three months we come there at least a dozen times! In addition, we are not the only ones, because a large number of Quebecers eagerly visit it! »
Dune by Laurent Tourondel, Fort Lauderdale
Photo credit: Michael Rancourt
Michaël Rancourt on the terrace of Laurent Tourondel’s Dune in Fort Lauderdale
“One of the prettiest terraces, if not the prettiest, in Fort Lauderdale is that of Laurent Tourondel’s Dune restaurant. This restaurant is not in the very touristy part of Fort Lauderdale Beach where there are many bars, restaurants and gift shops. It’s a more remote location, a little further north towards Lauderdale by The Sea. The special thing about this patio is that it is literally on the beach, and that doesn’t exist on every street corner in Florida! The Dune is one of my favorite happy hour spots. In fact, it is very pleasant to sip a good cocktail accompanied by light dishes such as sushi, tapas or even excellent fish appetizers with your feet in the sand and a view of the sea. Food lovers will be pleased to know that this restaurant is owned by the renowned Michelin-starred chef Laurent Tourondel and serves a refined menu in the dining room. »
Las Olas Street, Fort Lauderdale
Photo credit: Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
The famous Las Olas Street in Fort Lauderdale
“If you like al fresco dining, take a stroll down Fort Lauderdale’s famous and vibrant Las Olas Street, there is a wide variety of restaurants where you can eat al fresco while listening to singers.
This street in the heart of Fort Lauderdale also offers bars, art galleries and nice shops. With its exotic and eclectic side, it is a place that takes us elsewhere. All of this reminds us of the atmosphere that reigns on Lincoln Street in Miami Beach.
Boardwalk, Hollywood Beach
Photo credit: City of Hollywood
“I’m not a big athlete, but I walk a lot and I love walking the Broadwalk in Hollywood Beach. It’s a Florida classic, a place that attracts hikers, bikers, beach lovers and Quebecers abound. When I come here I always feel like I see happy and joyful people! The sun is good for the soul! I often have lunch at the Sahara restaurant, which is also very popular with Quebecers. It never costs me more than $18 for lunch and a beer. Beware, it’s not haute cuisine, but for a seafront restaurant, it’s not bad! »
Photo credit: City of Hollywood
For the dates of his new show, Les unforgettablee, celebrating his 35-year career, visit: https://www.michaelrancourt.com
Note: In the case of Hollywood Beach, we’re saying Broadwalk, not Boardwalk
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